PCI Compliance
Friday, July 18, 2025
What Small Business Owners Need to Know About PCI Compliance
Protecting Your Business When Accepting Credit & Debit Cards
What Is PCI Compliance?
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards) is a set of rules that all businesses must follow if they accept, store, or process credit or debit card payments.
Even if you use secure platforms like QuickBooks Payments, Stripe, or Square, your business is still responsible for complying with PCI standards.
Why It Matters
A data breach involving cardholder data can result in:
- Legal consequences
- Massive fines
- Damaged reputation
- Lost customers
What Should You Do?
- Complete your PCI Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
- J&S does not offer PCI Self-Assessment Questionnaire services, but we can share Intuit’s QuickBooks Recommended PCI Compliance Company is Security Metrics https://www.securitymetrics.com/
- The Security Metrics offers a free account, 2-3 minute survey to tell you what the next steps are.
- Security Metrics walks you through exactly what you need to do.
- Complete your PCI Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
- Use secure, up-to-date systems
- Don’t store card numbers unless required
- Train your staff on data security
- Check your payment processor’s PCI resources
Security Metrics Compliance Packages
Possible Costs of a Breach:
Item Estimated Cost
Merchant processor fines $5,000 – $50,000
Card brand penalties $5,000 – $500,000
Forensic investigation $12,000 – $100,000
Onsite security assessments $20,000 – $100,000
Credit monitoring (per person) $10 – $30/card
Card re-issuance fees $3 – $10/card
Security upgrades $15,000+
Legal fees $5,000+
Breach notification costs $1,000+
Technology repairs $2,000+
Total possible cost: $50,000 – $773,000+
About J&S Accounting
At J&S Accounting, we provide expert bookkeeping services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and non-profits. We recognize the challenges that come with maintaining accurate financial records and how vital this is for the smooth operation and growth of your business. As a woman and minority-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our expertise to businesses in Savannah, GA, and across the nation, helping them navigate financial complexities and achieve better financial management.
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CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
What others are saying about us
" I could not recommend this company enough!"
The team at J&S Accounting are like working with trusted friends that you have had for a long time. Janel has personally walked me through my first year with QuickBooks as a small business owner, and has made it so easy and enjoyable. She is very professional, knowledgeable, and is always so affirming of how well I am doing. She really takes her time and you can tell that she cares about her customers and wanting them to feel confident about their business finances. I could not recommend this company enough!
- Kelsey H.
"The level of professionalism and commitment to supporting small businesses like mine is unmatched."
If I could give J&S 6 stars I would because they go the extra mile every time! I am so glad I found J&S Accounting. The level of professionalism and commitment to supporting small businesses like mine is unmatched. I am so grateful for J&S. I highly recommend!
"Their customer service and individualized care have remained top tier and we gladly recommend their services."
J & S Accounting has made such a huge impact in our day to day operations at Kicklighter Resource Center. They are very hands on and truly take the time to educate us, whether in person or through trainings and tutorials. Their customer service and individualized care have remained top tier and we gladly recommend their services.
- Jay Ahnee
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All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer:This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.
© 2023 J&S Accounting. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.